What's Next for Simon Cowell?

That British import known as Simon Cowell is heading back across the pond after Fox pulled his show " The X Factor," but don't think that's the last American audiences will see of him.

"I've had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on 'The X Factor' and 'American Idol.' And apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public (most of the time!)," Cowell said in a statement. "America, I'll see you soon!"

Fox pinned the move, announced Friday, on Cowell's decision to return to the U.K. version of the series.

"Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the U.K. version of 'The X Factor' in 2014," Cowell said. "So for now, I'm back to the U.K."

Fox Entertainment Chair Kevin Reilly added, "Unfortunately, there is no 'X Factor' USA without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life."

But even if Cowell hadn't been ready to move on, it wasn't certain whether Fox would bring the singing competition show back for a fourth season. The series, an import from Cowell's original U.K. show, just never seemed to catch on with American audiences and never attracted the 20 million viewers Cowell once predicted.

"He just couldn't make it work in America," said M.J. Santilli, who writes about both shows on her widely read blog MJ's Big Blog. "It was like an altered 'American Idol' format but not as good."

It did reach a respectable 12 million its first season, but the number steadily declined over the next two seasons, with just 6 million tuning in for last December's third season finale.